Edward Snyder of Snyder Sarno D'Aniello Maceri & da Costa in Roseland has made a name for himself as a matrimonial lawyer over the course of his 50-plus-year career, but he's also made a name for himself as a mentor. A colleague said: “As a member of the firm since our inception, he has acted as a mentor to our entire firm. His accolades are a testament to his hard work and dedication, but it is his personal connection to the firm that truly showcases his love for the law. Mr. Snyder goes above and beyond to mentor anyone seeking to learn, he is welcoming and always available for guidance. He becomes personally invested in our lawyers, ensuring the health and happiness of the entire firm.”

Is the role of mentor one that you set out to take, or one you happened into?

I have been a practicing matrimonial lawyer for over 50 years and still work full time. I am selective as to the cases I accept; most of which are high asset or high conflict. This leaves me with time to serve as a mentor to younger family law attorneys both inside and outside of my firm. I have been privileged to mentor many amazing people.

Why are mentors so important in the legal profession?

It is through the mentorship of future generations that we can have an exchange of ideas and blend the innovations of today with the experience and wisdom of yesterday. Like all professions, the legal profession will continue to grow and develop over time. In order to ensure the field is growing in beneficial ways, we must be cognizant not only of the future, but of the past.

Good mentors often have learned from good examples. Who are some people you have mentored you?

One of the first matrimonial lawyers that I worked for was Monroe Ackerman, who was considered one of the top lawyers in the field. I was so lucky to have Monroe as a mentor and a teacher. He taught me how to interact with judges, colleagues and clients. I also learned early on that the practice of law is a business and should be treated like one. There were others who mentored me, including Judge Tom Zampino, who today is my partner, and sometimes I try to mentor him. What goes around comes around! I also try to mentor my partner Angelo Sarno, but it seems that he teaches me more than I teach him.

Law is, for many, more than a full-time job. How does one create time for mentorship?

Creating time for mentorship comes very organically. I never set out to be a mentor, it happened as I continued to work with new people and experience new ideas. Each case needs to be treated uniquely, and a strategy must be developed for that case. There is no cookie-cutter mold to the profession—because of this, it is important to continuously develop new ideas and strategies. It is through the pursuit of new strategies that collaboration and mentorships form.

How are the business and profession of law changing, and are New Jersey lawyers well-positioned for the future?

The profession was created to provide a system that can enforce the ideals of our society and the rule of law. As society progresses, so does the law. Adaptation and evolution through mentorship and collaboration allow the profession to develop and protect society from problems that arise. I have argued before the New Jersey Supreme Court several times, including Konzelman v. Konzelman, which is the leading decision on cohabitation. I represented the prevailing party, who was successful in having his alimony award vacated. I've also argued before the Appellate Division on innumerable occasions, most recently, I represented the successful party in the published Appellate Division opinion of Slutsky v. Slutsky, which provided the matrimonial bar with a primer on how to value a partner's interest in a big law firm.

As an attorney, it is important to recognize the client's needs and what is fair. I devote considerable time and energy to my clients. And, I expect to be doing this for many years to come.